FLORIDA – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that 49 people were arrested after a multi‑agency investigation that dismantled fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking networks operating in Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Marion and Orange counties.
Statewide prosecutors and local law enforcement say the arrests come after an investigation that spanned fall 2025 through June 2026 dubbed Operation Icebreaker II.
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“This joint investigation dismantled a criminal organization that pumped deadly fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into Florida communities,” Uthmeier said. “Through the tireless work of Florida’s law enforcement, state attorneys, and our statewide prosecutors, we have arrested 49 traffickers and disrupted these networks. Florida families deserve safe streets free of dangerous drugs, and we will continue holding every member of this organization fully accountable.”
State Attorney R.J. Larizza said the traffickers threatened entire communities.
“Exposing, prosecuting and eradicating the drug trafficking organizations is critical to making our communities better and safer,” Larizza said.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood praised the arrests and called them a victory for public safety, while Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young credited detectives and partner agencies for the work that led to the operation.
The probe was conducted by the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) Special Investigations Unit; the Volusia Bureau of Investigation, a HIDTA task force led by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO); the Office of Statewide Prosecution; the Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office; and other agencies.
The investigation used court-authorized pen registers, trap-and-trace orders and full wire intercepts on multiple target phones, along with physical surveillance and controlled purchases, officials said.
It established mid- to upper-level distribution networks for fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and other controlled substances.
On or about June 30, search warrants were executed at key locations tied to the organization. Authorities recovered narcotics, currency, digital scales with residue, cutting agents, cellphones and other evidence.
In all, 49 defendants were arrested by the DBPD and VCSO.
Among the primary defendants charged as leaders of the organization, officials named:
- Vetrick Maurice Shavers Jr., charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl (14 grams or more), a first-degree felony that carries a 20-year mandatory minimum and a $100,000 fine, and two counts of trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or more), each a first-degree felony carrying a seven-year mandatory minimum and a $50,000 fine.
- Richard Gene Hocker III, charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl (28 grams or more), a first-degree felony that carries a 25-year mandatory minimum and a $500,000 fine; trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or more), carrying a seven-year mandatory minimum and a $50,000 fine; and trafficking in methamphetamine (28 grams or more), carrying a seven-year mandatory minimum and a $100,000 fine.
- Antonio Bejon Lee, charged with three counts of trafficking in fentanyl (28 grams or more), each a first-degree felony carrying a 25-year mandatory minimum and a $500,000 fine, along with additional counts of trafficking in fentanyl (4 grams or more) and conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl.
Other defendants face related charges including trafficking, conspiracy, delivery, possession with intent to sell or deliver, firearm offenses by dangerous felons, possession of structures or conveyances used for drug sales, and unlawful use of two-way communications devices.